nationally and locally, the races are coming down to the wire. among the hottest races in the south bay is the fight for the eighth district seat in san jose. this one district could impact the entire city. nbc bay area's damian trujillo joins us in san jose this evening. damian, why is this race so critical? >> reporter: the battle is between incumbent rose herera and her challenger jimmy wynn. herera says this whole battle is about fiscal reform, but jimmy wynn says it's about safety. >> we just came by to say hi. >> reporter: she spent the morning shaking hands with potential voters in evergreen. rose herera finds herself in a bitter battle to keep her seat on the san jose city council. >> if you have done good things in the community as an elected, and you're proud to run on your record, then that's really what it's all about for somebody who is asking for another term. >> reporter: but herera has come under fire by police and other unions for her support of pension and other fiscal reforms. >> i supported it. it was the sixth vote. i took th